Truth be told, though, Willow Glen does not have a "traffic problem." Instead, the problem is a small group of residents who are saying that Willow Glen has a "traffic problem." Exacerbating the situation is the City of San Jose's Traffic Department, which, in its attempt to deal with these alleged, "traffic problems," has implemented "solutions" based on poorly conceived, narrowly focused traffic studies. Ironically, the only thing these solutions have achieved is the creation of traffic problems that did not previously exist in the neighborhood.

For reasons unclear to me, the city's traffic department has lost perspective regarding our neighborhood and consequently has done a great disservice to the majority of Willow Glen residents. The department's failure to understand, convey and reinforce to a small group of residents that Curtner, Pine, Minnesota, Meridian, Hicks and Lincoln avenues along with Hamilton Way have always been and continue to be major thoroughfares used by residents of our neighborhood to get from point A to point B has created a plethora of problems for many, many residents.

Before the traffic department decides to implement even more of its so-called "solutions," it is imperative that it conduct a well-designed, comprehensive, documented, comparative study of traffic patterns in our neighborhood—a study that would once and for all answer the question: Does Willow Glen have a traffic problem? In the meantime, the traffic department should cease and desist with its "solutions" and immediately remove all of the problem-plagued traffic calming remedies it has implemented over the last several months.

—Frank Dalle-Molle, Cherry Glen Way


Outstanding cover story on guide dogs

Kate Carter, Rebecca Ray and I-chun Che wrote an outstanding feature article on Guide Dogs for the Blind and the volunteers who raise and train the puppy candidates. It was very informative, comprehensive, and full of insights into what it takes to be successful, both in human and canine terms.

It was nice to learn that there are generous, dedicated and patient teens and adults right here in Willow Glen who are willing to give so much of themselves so that others may live more fulfilling lives.

The photos by Sean Penello and George Sakkestad were great and really helped bring the article alive. The whole article was an outstanding piece of feature journalism.

—Ann Leever, Spencer Avenue


Hicks not designed to carry thousands of cars

I have lived in my home on Nola Drive for the past 32 years. Prior to that I spent several years teaching at Willow Glen High School. I came to San Jose/Willow Glen in the fall of 1961 and have seen the changes over the years here in Willow Glen.

Hicks Avenue and Hamilton Way have been cut-through streets for many years. However, Hicks was never designed to carry the thousands of cars that cruise up and down all day long. Residents of Hicks Avenue have difficulty getting in and out of their driveways during the peak commute hours.

I attended the Oct. 8 traffic-calming meeting. One lady stated that she had helped form the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association and worked to improve the traffic problems 30 years ago. What association members did was to concern themselves with just one street—Cherry Avenue. They did not look at the adjacent streets that could be impacted in their desire to prohibit Cherry Avenue from being cut through between Dry Creek and Robsheal. They always make the claim that this action kept Willow Glen from becoming a pathway to and from 280. If, however, they had requested the city to block off an older section of Cherry Avenue—for example, the section just south of Glen Eyrie—they would have achieved the same results. Everyone on Cherry Avenue would have had ingress and egress, and the wide sections of Cherry between Pine and Curtner could have been utilized for what they were designed to do.

Last, I strongly support Hamilton Way. This street should never have been left as an appendage, dangling from Hamilton Avenue when the new section was cut through to Pine. One gentleman at the meeting stated that his home's value on Cherrydale Drive has depreciated due to the restrictions on Hamilton Way. I say to him: "Why don't you support your neighbors on Hamilton Way and work with them to obtain what both of your streets should be—cul-de-sacs?"

—Dixie L. Starr, Nola Drive


Vote for Measure F

Willow Glen is usually at the top of the city's voter turnout statistics in every election, and San Jose voters have a good reason to go to the polls on Nov. 5—to vote yes on Measure F.

Measure F would raise funds to help pay for expanding the city's convention center, which now ranks 82nd in size among U.S. convention facilities. A larger convention center means more trade shows and conventions would be held in our city. Convention business is a major benefit to local hotels, restaurants and shops by bringing tourists and visitors to San Jose.

Measure F requires a two-thirds majority vote because it would raise the city's lodging tax. Currently the bed tax is 10 percent. Measure F proposes it go to 14 percent, the same rate as San Francisco and Los Angeles, but still lower than some other west coast cities like Seattle (15.6 percent).

Mostly, the hotel guests who pay the tax are visitors to San Jose, but it is the locals that have to vote for it. This is our chance to expand the convention center public space and help the local economy—by passing Measure F.

—Scott Knies, El Abra Way


Correction

In the Oct. 23 "Best of Willow Glen" issue of The Willow Glen Resident, one of the owners of Casa Casa was incorrectly identified in the "Best Home Furnishings, Eclectic Shop" category. The correct name is Meg Picanco. Also, Julie Painchaud's name was incorrectly spelled in the "Best Recycled Clothing" category.